How can schools ensure every student benefits from collective expertise without overwhelming teachers with endless meetings? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper talks with Kurtis Hewson, co author of Collaborative Response and co founder of Jigsaw Learning, about a school wide model that replaces fragmented teams with purposeful, layered collaborative structures centered on data, evidence, and a clear continuum of supports.
Kurtis explains how to shift from “tiering students” to “tiering supports,” where Tier 1 defines non negotiable universal practices, Tier 2 offers classroom based options, and higher tiers coordinate beyond classroom resources without labeling kids. He breaks down the game changing collaborative team meeting format that reduces overall meetings by adding one intentional space where teachers share celebrations, generate solutions for common issues, and build capacity across the building.
About Kurtis Hewson Kurtis Hewson is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, author and professional learning facilitator. In addition to being an award-winning teacher, vice-principal, and principal, he has also served as faculty at the post-secondary level. With over a decade of experience as an administrator, Kurtis has championed the call for collaborative structures in schools to ensure success for all students. He is the co-founder of Jigsaw Learning, a co-author of the best-selling text Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners (Corwin, 2022), and currently works with districts and schools nationally and internationally establishing Collaborative Response frameworks and interacting with thousands of educators annually. Follow Kurtis Hewson Website: https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecollaborativeleader Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow https://www.amazon.com/Collaborative-Response-Foundational-Components-Transform/dp/1071862812?crid=286SG3M5LIFZ2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.COivoRyBayRyg98CF1nUp0wIGkcj6xAwY5RP-bXiljANMuhIlNp5yNmlxfYYkvus9PLLI5rHRlRm1H2ZJNctezuGhCuhUPcvlwwQfngmy4vzyj_pPWxNv4DnCuex0TRf8-2eD4974mErzUgo6qqGDKunnUYsx0sP6IQRmrBSfZKtP85fi3K7h0eCxe6m2ODp307_uSD3AVFAMhDQphAo6uPSsdw3IxuXpudOzzXVxQ4.zIN_MeMg2EqihqQ19pGF1Smr1GQCE--maHoXdTi514k&dib_tag=se&keywords=collaborative+response+book&qid=1770575346&sprefix=collaborative+response+boo%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=262419187aea54eed9fb270c0d00eb8e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl FREE Webinar - The Language of Behavior School leaders, don't miss this free webinar Thursday, Feb 12 at 12pm ET to equip your staff with better tools for student behaviors. Register here: https://thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/webinarfeb2026 -- NEW Aspire to Lead Cohort: Join the March 1st Launch Ready to move from teacher to administrator? The Aspire to Lead Cohort is a monthly leadership program designed for educators pursuing administrative roles. Get expert training, peer accountability, interview prep, and a clear
